DAMIAN Matthew has reached a contract stalemate at Turf Moor and is set to start the season on a week-to-week deal.

The Clarets midfielder has been offered a two-year contract but can't agree terms.

And with no further enhanced deal expected to be put on the table Matthew does not expect to sign up before returning for pre-season.

However, he hopes that he will do enough on his return for the new campaign to persuade the club he is worth better terms.

"I am a bit disappointed with the offer but I am prepared to work hard and see what happens," said Matthew.

The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling and has already rebuffed an approach from Oldham Athletic.

But while he remains out of contract he is free to consider any other offers that may come in.

Matthew, who turned down a move to Northampton Town at New Year and expressed his desire to stay at Turf Moor after finishing the season as a key figure, played under new Burnley boss Stan Ternent when he was on the coaching staff at Chelsea.

"I know him and I think he and Sam Ellis know what it's all about. They understand it more after the fiasco of last year," he added. Still to put pen to paper therefore are Matthew, Paul Weller, Gerry Harrison and Jamie Hoyland with Chris Vinnicombe set to move on.

Vinnicombe, wanted by Walsall, had also been linked with a move to Third Division Cardiff City but the Bluebirds have moved to sign of Oxford left-back Mike Ford.

Burnley are guaranteed to be one of the best supported sides in the Second Division again next season after selling over 6,000 season tickets.

The club reported last week that they were on target to meet last season's figure and following the end of the discounted selling period the signs are that the number will be exceeded.

Last season the Clarets enjoyed average gates of over 10,000 and with Manchester City and Stoke City coming down they can expect to beat that this term - especially if they are involved at the top rather than the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, former Burnley boss Chris Waddle may return to the Continent to continue his playing career next season.

"I'm 37 now and I still intend to play with a European club after the World Cup," said the former Marseille winger.

Waddle is commentating for BBC television at the World Cup in France and is enjoying the experience.

"It's very interesting and I hope to repeat it," he said.

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